Sweet, smoky, and just a bit tangy, this grilled peach salad is the perfect summer dish that feels both light and indulgent. In this article, we’re diving into how to make the ultimate grilled peach salad, from grilling tips to the best cheese pairings and a homemade honey balsamic dressing that ties it all together. Along the way, I’ll answer your top FAQs about peach salads, including how to prevent browning and what cheese to use. Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout or a refreshing weeknight dinner, this salad deserves a spot on your table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
My Summer Favorite — Grilled Peach Salad
It was one of those July evenings, the kind where the sun stretches a little longer than usual, and the kids are running around barefoot. That night, I spotted a few ripe peaches in the fruit basket and decided to try something new. I halved them, brushed them with olive oil, and threw them on the grill next to our chicken. What came off was golden and slightly smoky—perfect for a fresh, vibrant salad.
Since then, grilled peach salad has become a summer favorite in our home. I love how the warm, caramelized peaches mix with cool greens, salty feta, and tart blackberries. The textures are just as exciting as the flavors: tender grilled fruit, crunchy pecans, and juicy bursts of berries.
It’s also a beautiful dish—seriously, you’ll want to Instagram it before digging in. And best of all, it’s simple. Just a few fresh ingredients and a quick honey balsamic dressing come together in minutes.
This grilled peach salad is incredibly versatile. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or swap in goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. I even pair it with this summer strawberry pie for a backyard dinner that always gets rave reviews. And if you’re already heating up the grill, why not finish the meal with these easy grilled pineapple spears?
Whether you’re hosting or just craving something different, grilled peach salad is my go-to. It’s fresh, colorful, and unexpectedly satisfying—the kind of dish that reminds me why I love cooking in the first place.
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Grilled Peach Salad with Feta and Balsamic Honey Dressing
A fresh summer grilled peach salad with feta, berries, candied pecans, and a honey balsamic dressing.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the salad
6 fresh peaches, ripe but firm
Olive oil – for brushing the peaches
½ cup fresh blueberries
½ cup fresh blackberries
5 ounces mixed greens
½ cup feta cheese crumbles
Simple candied pecans
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon water, plus more as needed
1 cup pecan halves
A pinch of salt
Honey balsamic dressing
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 to 2 tablespoons honey – or to taste
½ teaspoon dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cut peaches in half and remove pits. Brush with olive oil.
2. Grill cut-side down for 3–4 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and grill 1 minute on skin side. Let cool and slice.
3. In a saucepan, heat brown sugar and water. Stir in pecans and salt. Cook until glossy, then cool on parchment paper.
4. Make the dressing: whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine greens, berries, grilled peaches, and feta. Add pecans and drizzle with dressing.
6. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
Use firm peaches for better grilling results.
To prevent browning, dip peach slices in lemon water before use.
Try goat cheese or arugula for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Grilling Peaches to Perfection for Salad
How to grill peaches for your peach salad
Grilling peaches is a simple but transformative step that brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth. For this grilled peach salad, start with ripe but firm peaches. Overripe ones will fall apart on the grill, and underripe ones won’t caramelize well.
First, slice the peaches in half and remove the pits. Don’t peel them—the skins help them hold shape while grilling. Brush each half lightly with olive oil. A hot grill is key here. You want those beautiful grill marks without cooking them to mush. Over medium-high heat, grill the peaches flesh-side down for 3–4 minutes, or until the flesh softens slightly and markings form.
If you’re using a stovetop grill pan, the same timing applies. For balance, flip and cook on the skin side for just 1 minute. Then let them cool a few minutes before slicing them for your salad.
Grilled peaches are the heart of this salad—they bring warmth and juiciness that contrast beautifully with chilled greens. Their slightly smoky flavor pairs especially well with the tangy honey balsamic dressing and salty feta crumbles.
Why grilled peaches work so well in a salad
Grilled peaches hit every note you want in a salad: sweet, smoky, juicy, and soft. When paired with creamy feta, tart berries, and crunchy pecans, the result is balanced and crave-worthy. That’s what makes grilled peach salad so memorable—it doesn’t just taste good; it feels good.
Building the Perfect Peach Salad Base
The magic of a grilled peach salad isn’t just in the fruit—it’s in what surrounds it. You want a balance of textures and flavors, so every bite offers something fresh, crisp, creamy, and crunchy. I prefer to start with a mixture of young greens. Their mild flavor lets the grilled peaches shine while giving a tender bite.
Next come the berries—blueberries and blackberries are perfect here. They’re juicy, mildly tart, and they play beautifully against the sweetness of the peaches. I scatter them over the greens before adding the sliced peaches so everything layers naturally.
Now let’s talk feta. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that enhances the smoky grilled fruit. Its saltiness ties the entire dish together. If feta’s not your favorite, goat cheese or fresh mozzarella work just as well.
What really makes this salad pop? Candied pecans. They bring a toasty crunch and subtle sweetness that elevate every forkful. I make mine by heating brown sugar and a splash of water in a pan until bubbling, then tossing in pecan halves and a pinch of salt. Let them cool on parchment, and they’ll harden into irresistible nuggets of flavor.
Once everything’s in the bowl, it’s almost too pretty to toss. But you’ll want every element to get a touch of dressing, so give it a gentle mix just before serving.
Grilled peach salad isn’t just a side—it’s the centerpiece. And when you build it with care, it’s got all the beauty and balance of a fine summer dish.
Honey Balsamic Dressing & Final Tips
How to make honey balsamic dressing for grilled peach salad
A good dressing can make or break a salad—and for grilled peach salad, the honey balsamic combo is the perfect fit. It brings tang, a touch of sweetness, and just the right bite to balance out the fruit and feta.
Here’s how to make it: In a small jar or bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, ⅓ cup of olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1–2 tablespoons of A pinch each of salt and pepper, honey, and ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard. Shake or whisk until it’s fully emulsified. That’s it. You’ve just made a dressing that’s fresh, flavorful, and far better than store-bought.
Drizzle it over your salad just before serving—or toss everything lightly so the grilled peaches soak up a bit of the dressing too.
Extra tips and variations for your peach salad
To prevent your grilled peach salad from browning, prep the peaches just before grilling. If you need to slice ahead of time, a quick dip in lemon water (1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of water) will slow oxidation without affecting taste.
Want to switch things up? Swap out the feta for creamy goat cheese, or try arugula instead of mixed greens for a peppery bite. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even prosciutto for a more substantial meal. And don’t skip the candied pecans—they’re easy to make and worth it.
Grilled peach salad is everything summer should be: easy, colorful, and full of flavor that brings people together.
FAQs About Grilled Peach Salad
What is the best dressing for a peach salad?
A honey balsamic vinaigrette is the top choice for a peach salad. The honey complements the fruit’s natural sweetness, while balsamic vinegar adds tang. A touch of Dijon mustard and minced garlic enhances flavor balance and gives the dressing a slight kick.
How do I prevent my peach salad from browning?
To prevent browning, slice the peaches just before grilling and serving. If you prep early, soak the peach slices in a mixture of water and lemon juice (1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup water) for 5 minutes, then pat dry before grilling or assembling the salad.
What cheese goes with peaches?
Feta cheese is a great match for peaches because of its salty, creamy texture. Goat cheese also pairs beautifully, offering a soft, tangy contrast to the fruit. For a milder option, try fresh mozzarella or burrata.
How to roast a peach for salad?
Slice firm peaches in half, remove pits, and brush with olive oil. Roast on a grill or in the oven at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Let cool slightly before slicing and adding to your salad.
Conclusion: Why Grilled Peach Salad Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Grilled peach salad brings summer to your plate—warm, colorful, and full of life. From smoky-sweet peaches to the salty feta and crisp greens, it’s a harmony of flavors in every bite. The honey balsamic dressing ties it all together, making this salad just as fitting for weeknight dinners as it is for summer gatherings.
Whether you’re new to grilling fruit or looking to upgrade your salad game, this grilled peach salad recipe is a delicious place to start. Serve it up, pass it around, and let your kitchen become the heart of another unforgettable meal.
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